diff --git a/cmd/thanos/receive.go b/cmd/thanos/receive.go
index 2e82e55760d..c4466a22fdc 100644
--- a/cmd/thanos/receive.go
+++ b/cmd/thanos/receive.go
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ func registerReceive(app *extkingpin.App) {
 
 	retention := extkingpin.ModelDuration(cmd.Flag("tsdb.retention", "How long to retain raw samples on local storage. 0d - disables this retention.").Default("15d"))
 
-	hashringsFile := extflag.RegisterPathOrContent(cmd, "receive.hashrings", "JSON file that contains the hashring configuration.", false)
+	hashringsFile := extflag.RegisterPathOrContent(cmd, "receive.hashrings", "File that contains the hashring configuration.", false)
 
 	refreshInterval := extkingpin.ModelDuration(cmd.Flag("receive.hashrings-file-refresh-interval", "Refresh interval to re-read the hashring configuration file. (used as a fallback)").
 		Default("5m"))
diff --git a/docs/components/receive.md b/docs/components/receive.md
index 57e5ba7e1db..b60549ebc45 100644
--- a/docs/components/receive.md
+++ b/docs/components/receive.md
@@ -143,12 +143,12 @@ Flags:
       --tsdb.retention=15d       How long to retain raw samples on local
                                  storage. 0d - disables this retention.
       --receive.hashrings-file=<file-path>
-                                 Path to JSON file that contains the hashring
+                                 Path to File that contains the hashring
                                  configuration.
       --receive.hashrings=<content>
                                  Alternative to 'receive.hashrings-file' flag
-                                 (lower priority). Content of JSON file that
-                                 contains the hashring configuration.
+                                 (lower priority). Content of File that contains
+                                 the hashring configuration.
       --receive.hashrings-file-refresh-interval=5m
                                  Refresh interval to re-read the hashring
                                  configuration file. (used as a fallback)